Institutional Effectiveness, Research & Assessment Staff

Pamela Borkowski-Valentin, Director, Institutional Research

As the Associate Director for Institutional Research, Pamela is responsible for creating and managing primary IR datasets and using this data to meet both internal and external information needs.  Pamela also conducts and analyzes surveys and works on other special projects.  She has extensive experience with National Student Clearinghouse data, and has conducted two workshops, Working with your National Student Clearinghouse Data and Top SPSS Functions for the IR Professional numerous times for the North East Association for Institutional Research.   Prior to joining Swarthmore in 2013, Pamela worked for approximately five years as a Research Analyst in the Montgomery County Community College Institutional Research office.  Her understanding of the challenges facing college students is informed through her Institutional Research work as well as her background in social work and her internship experience at the Bryn Mawr Civic Engagement Office.  Pamela has a BA in Sociology and Master's degrees in Social Service and Law and Social Policy. 

Office: 101 S Chester Road, room 209
Phone: 610-690-2015
Email: pborkow1@swarthmore.edu

 

Jason Martin, Director, Institutional Studies & Assessment

Jason applies his background in social science and expertise in advanced data analytics and visualization to identify patterns, address complex questions, and produce reporting that informs College planning, policy, and decision-making. In his role, Jason collaborates with administrators and faculty to align institutional practice with the College's goals and priorities. He oversees and coordinates non-routine research projects and special requests for analysis and assessment, as well as managing the College survey approval and support process. He also works with the Assistant Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness in managing the annual assessment process undertaken by administrative units.  Before coming to Swarthmore, he worked for the Metropolitan Philadelphia Indicators Project at Temple University, where he received his Ph.D. in Sociology.

Office: 101 S Chester Road, room 207
Phone: 610-328-8261
Email: jmartin5@swarthmore.edu

Robin Huntington Shores,
Assistant VP for Institutional Effectiveness and 
Assistant Secretary of the College

Robin has worked in Institutional Research in a variety of settings, including open access adult education, a system office, and a research university.  She established Swarthmore's first formal Institutional Research office, and now serves as a strategic partner in creating an environment that promotes and supports the use of research and data analysis to guide planning, decision making, institutional improvement, and alignment of resource allocation with goals and priorities. Working with the Provost's Office and President's Staff, Robin provides guidance and leadership with regard to assessment of student learning and assessment of Institutional Effectiveness (IE) across all areas of the College.  In partnership with the Chief Information Technology Officer, she is working to develop and maintain a robust system of data governance at the College.  As Assistant Secretary of the College Robin is a member of the team supporting the work of the College's Board of Managers.  Robin's Ph.D. is in Social Psychology. 

Office: 101 S Chester Road, room 208
Phone: 610-690-6879
Email: rshores1@swarthmore.edu